(Bermuda Dunes, CA) This past Saturday Nicky and John were married on a warm desert day at a private estate near Palm Springs. It was a relaxed and fun gathering of friends from both coasts.

Here’s their story:

Nicky + John // May 4, 2013

1) Tell us how your first met? Who what when where why? Give us all the details :-).
N: John and I met in February 2009 at the Sandbox in Huntington Beach California. I was there with some friends during a night they were showing UFC fights. I saw John walk into the bar, wearing a red flannel shirt with a black cap. He caught my attention immediately, as he’s not only great looking, but his demeanor (hands in pocket and uncomfortable expression on his face) made me curious. I watched him for a couple minutes to make sure he wasn’t with anyone, and then approached him when the timing seemed appropriate. I peered under his cap and went to hug him (as if he was someone I knew) and said ‘Oh Taylor I’m so happy you’re here’, pretending he was a friend of mine. John knew exactly what I was up to, and said ‘I’m sorry, I’m not Taylor’. Then I started chatting with him, and it was immediate chemistry.

2) When did you know he/she was the one? Was there something he/she did? etc.
N: We went home together that night (didn’t do anything naughty), and stayed up chatting until morning. We went to breakfast the following morning and I knew then that he would be the guy I would marry. He knew then too, however we were in a poor position as he was moving to Hong Kong in 2 weeks. After he moved we lost touch for about 10 months, until he sent me an email with a simple sentence ‘Is it funny I still think of you from time to time’. I replied to him saying I still thought of him too, and at that moment we started our long distance relationship. He came out to visit me easter weekend April 2010 for the first time, and it was during his visit we both knew we would marry.

3) Tell us about the proposal. (Did you see it coming, how long was it in the planning? How did you feel?Nervous, excited, freaking out??)
N: The proposal was very organic. We both knew it was coming. I had already moved to HK with him and had been there for 9 months. He proposed on his birthday, stating ‘on his birthday 34 years ago, his mother became a mom for the first time, and today he would like to make me (the other most important woman of his life) his future wife’.J: It was on the southern most point of Hong Kong Island, in what was formerly a sleepy little fishing village now turned beach area. its called Shek-O. the date was the same as my birthday – May 26th. The reason I picked that day was because (i) I couldnt think of a better b-day present and (ii) that was the same day (then 35 years ago) that I made the other most significant woman in my life a mother. So – my bday = the same day my mother became a mom (I’m the first) and the same day I asked Nicky to be my wife.

4) Tell us the one thing you love most about each other.
N: I love that John’s an honorable man. Though I know it takes effort and it’s a decision to make every day, he is so effortless about it. I love that I’m marrying the best man I know (aside from my father)J: I can not name a facet which I love more on the diamond that is Nicky. So if I have one thing, it is everything.

5) If you feel comfortable, share with us something silly or quirky the other person does.
N: John likes to look cool and air box when he feels the urge. It’s the most deuchy thing I’ve every seen, yet endearing.

6) Besides getting married — what is the one thing you are looking forward to on your wedding day?
N: Bringing both families together.

7) What is your favorite trend for weddings right now?
N: We aren’t very into trends, in fact we aren’t ‘wedding’ sort of people.

8) What inspired your decor or theme?
N: Personal preference.

9) What’s one thing you wish you would have known earlier in regards to planning?
J: We will tell you after the event 🙂

Here are some of my favorite images from their day!

Nicky & John’s dog “Duke” lives with Nicky’s family in CA but attended the wedding.

Nicky’s Parents and friends sang their first dance song, “When You Say Nothing At All” and the lyrics and chord progressions are on the paper; on the right, a video monitor keeps an eye on John’s nephew asleep in a nearby room.